Sliding Reality: Chapter 7 Part 2 of 4 (Patreon)

“We should enter the conference room. The man at the door is Aramand Bashir, Sol’s Ambassadorial Secretary.” The way she said his title seemed to hint at something else, guiding them forward.

"Hello Mister Lee," Aramand Bashir gave an easy smile and bowed his head to Brad who returned the gesture. "Quite the interesting reality we find ourselves in."

“Not what we were expecting but needs must. May I introduce Stuart Martin my fellow administrator.”

“Mister Martin,” Aramand greeted him jut as he had Brad, but directed his next question to Brad “Do you have any hopes for this meeting? If I might be so bold.”

"I hope that we can come up with a solution of how to move forward together in the future." Brad said.

"Well said, well said," Aramand nodded and indicated to the table. “We shall begin as soon as everyone is seated.

Li Wei was talking to a man wearing a chest full of colored shrapnel with flat eyes and wiry build. He looked utterly unremarkable except for his medals and uniform denoting him as a Federation admiral.

Lucy Hahn stepped out to greet their group.

“Mister Lee and Martin,” She greeted them both with a nod.

“Miss Hahn.” Stuart said.

"You are very interesting individuals."

"We're just two people who make video games." Brad smiled.

"Hmmm, yes," Her lips turned up in amusement, her eyes moved between them and to their counsel. "I hope that we can come to something that helps all humanity, things are always hanging in a delicate balance."

"I hope that we can maintain that balance and help humanity step forward, together. Shall we?" Brad indicated the table as Li Wei and the Admiral separated and Aramand strode towards his seat.

“I hope that we will be able to chat later.” She flicked them her contact information and moved to the table.

Brad and Stuart followed, Joe whispering in their ear.

“That is Admiral Walker. He commands the Sixth fleet,” Joe said.

Brad studied the man closer, first, second, third and fourth fleet patrolled controlled Federation systems. Fifth fleet was hidden away, a reaction force if needed. Sixth fleet was known as the attacking fleet. It was larger than the other fleets, always performing exercises near lagrange points, ready to deploy in minutes. The scout ship that had arrived in Sphere World had been from the sixth fleet.

“Why would he be here?” Brad asked. Taking one of the seats at the table, while Joe and Olivia sat in the seats behind them.

“Sending a statement,” Olivia said as they sat down.

Brad turned to her, but she tilted her head towards Aramand as he sat at the head of the table. Li Wei and Walker on his right side, Lucy Hahn, Brad and Stuart on his left.

“In the light of Sphere World being real, it is the hope of Sol that we can figure out a path forward for the betterment of humankind. You should have all received an information packet on Sphere World.”

A light appeared infront of Admiral Walker.

“Admiral?”

“I request that we send our own inspectors to Sphere World in order to assess it. We only have the information of two game developers. The Federation will not move forward with talks until we know what we’re dealing with in its entirety. With unbiased information.”

Aramand pursed his lips and nodded. “I agree with you Admiral, While Mister Lee and Martin compiled the information, they might not have looked as deeply as an expert of stations, factories and military hardware would.”

“Inspectors, I think the Federation have enough conscripts  in-system already.” Lucy Hahn snapped.

“Serving one’s nation might be a foreign concept in the Coalition, but the members of the Federation are proud to carry out their duties for the betterment of all.”

Aramand rapped his knuckles on the desk.

“I believe it would be beneficial for all factions to send a team of inspectors to check on Sphere World. Mister Lee if you would see to the arrangements, anything else to discuss?”

“I think that it would be prudent to enact a cease-fire within the system as well.” Lucy Hahn said.

The other faction leaders focused on her.

“Isn’t it the best for humanity if we go into these talks peacefully? Instead of various groups fighting tooth and nail with one another over the very thing we’re discussing.” Her voice was deceptively sweet, eyes flashing between the others. “One might otherwise assume that there is a proxy war occurring within the system, worried it will boil over into the rest of civilised space.”

“There are rogue players out there,” Aramand said.

“I agree, but we must stand strong, after all if our people do not listen to us, should we be the ones leading them?”

Walker glared at her.

“The Corporations have been making the biggest moves, fusing the guilds under their sponsorship I hear,” Aramand, pointedly looking at Li Wei. “Do you think that you could wrangle them together?”

“I am but their counsel Ambassador secretary. I can only suggest and advise. But I would guess that if their assets were under attack by organized clans they would have no option but to retaliate as they would in any other system.”

“That would be fair.” Aramand looked to Admiral Walker.

“The Corporation squabbles do not affect us.”

“Are you saying that you cannot control your people, or that they won’t listen to you? I thought that they were proud to serve the Federation in any capacity?” Lucy Hahn’s face formed a moue.

Walker grinded his jaw. “If there is fighting in Sphere World it will not be because of our people.”

Aramand leaned forward after an aide whispered in his ear.

“So inspectors will head to Sphere World and we will work to have anyone in the system stop fighting. I think that is enough for the first day. I know that we will all need time to review the information packet we gained today. Let us adjourn here.”

Admiral Walker looked like he wanted to say something, but chose to nod with the others.

“Till tomorrow.” Li Wei said.

Aides and leaders disappeared from the meeting.

[Olivia Mao invites you to a secure lobby]

Brad accepted it, appearing with Stuart at another table in a room of glass, steel, and light. Joe and Olivia were on the other side of the table.

“Wait, that was it?” Stuart asked.

“Yup, surprised we got the cease fire and the inspection in on the first day.” Joe said.

Brad stood from his chair and set to pacing the room. “Why was Admiral Walker there and why was Aramand Bashir talking at me?” Brad asked.

“The Admiral is there to send a message. Showing that they are willing to resort to military action if it is required and they will move aggressively on Sphere World. Aramand Bashir has come up the ranks as an ambassador, but there are rumors that he is part of Sol’s extensive spy network that reaches into every system and planet.” Olivia said. “By only recognizing you, it is a small tactic to try and break the trust between you two. Create jealousy, or other such negative feelings between you two, opening up cracks to exploit.”

“Ah,” Stuart said. “Why would he want to do that though?”

“Leverage, incase he ever needs to use it.” She looked between them for more questions.

“What do you want to get from the talks?” Olivia asked.

“We want the factions to figure out a way of governing Sphere World and its assets.” Brad said.

“And for compensation?”

“We don’t need compensation,” Stuart said.

“We will work on that,” She made a note.

“What do you mean?” Brad asked.

She looked up from her notes. “You and Mister Martin are now known across all of human space, everyone knows you. No matter what comes in the future you will require security. That comes in the form of secure homes, bodyguards, armored transport separate from normal flight control systems, armed and armored ships with crew to man it. This will naturally extend to your family.”

Brad and Stuart looked at one another, realizing that life as they knew it had changed. There was little way they could go back now.

“We will come up with an estimate for costs for you and your immediate family.” She shot a look to Joe who wrote down his own notes.

“How active do you want to be in the meetings?”

“I want to ask questions and clarify things.” Stuart said.

“You will have to establish that in the next meeting. Letting Aramand Bashir force you into the inspections made you look weak.”

“What was with that, we put everything into the information packets?” Brad asked.

“Your greatest weapon is information, having their own people on the station they can erode that advantage. It also shows to their people that they’re doing something. Any questions on anything else?”

Brad and Stuart shook their heads.

“Very well. For a first day this went rather well. When the other leaders contact you for a meeting, notify me or Joe immediately. I am just a call away. Till tomorrow Mister Lee, Mister Martin.”

She reached out and shook each of their hands.

“I think we can move to Brad and Stuart now,” Brad smiled.

“I understand.”

“And what are your hours?”

“Call me at any time. I will answer.”

“Surely you need to sleep,” Stuart laughed.

“This is the largest deal I can think of, for the largest asset in the known universe and you are right in the middle of it. I think I can do without sleep to make sure it goes smoothly.”

“Thank you for your help Olivia.” Brad said.

“It is why we are on retainer for Orion Belt Enterprises, though I was thinking something a little more modest when we started.” She flashed them a bare hint of a smile.

“Sleep as much as you can, it is going to be a busy few weeks and you’re going to be attacked on every angle. Stay alert and we’ll back you up,” She nodded to them both and disappeared.

“See you tomorrow boys, going to be earning the overtime on this one I feel it already,” Joe grinned and disappeared as well.

***